DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance

Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-maintain-an-air-conditioner.htm The first couple of paragraphs explain the different parts of an air conditioner and where they are located. It is essential that the homeowner understands these things before trying to make any changes to their unit. Also, many air conditioning companies will clean your unit - or at least recommend someone professional who can. Also, it is important to note that all suggestions should be followed at the homeowners own risk and following manufactures instructions (that come in the owner's manual of the unit). Next according to howstuffworks.com they explain how to clean your evaporator. They suggest doing this about every year and checking the condensation pan in especially humid weather. The evaporator is located in the furnace or air-handler, this is also called the 'coil.'This should be cleaned very carefully, without bending or in any other way moving the pipes. The outside condenser should be cleared of any grass or leaves that may have decided to grow near it (this may prevent air flow). It is also important to check to see that the unit is still level by using (guess what?) a level. I wouldn't recommend doing any more of this yourself...DO NOT HOSE THE CONDENSER DOWN! bad, very bad things will happen. Sometimes (and I know this is difficult to tell some handy homeowners (my father included)) it is simply better (and cheaper) to have a professional do the 'dirty' work for you.